When attending college, you may be wondering if it’s better to live on-campus or off-campus. While there’s no one right answer, we can break down the pros and cons of each option so that you can decide which is the best solution for you.
Take a look at this infographic to see how the two housing options stack up.
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Advantages of Living On-Campus
Let’s start by looking at the positive points of living on-campus.
First, it’s easy to get housing — just sign up with college. And costs may be lower if your school is located in a high-priced rental market. While local costs may vary by metro area, regionally we see high rates in the western region of the U.S. with a $830/month average, and in the northeastern region of the U.S. with a $739/month average.
Another benefit is the renting on-campus is turn-key. Included in your rent will be utilities like Internet, electricity, water, and sometimes food. The rental will also typically be outfitted with basic furniture like a bed and desk.
The on-campus location can also a benefit. Located near your classes, you’ll have a minimal commute, saving both time and gas money. It can also give you a better college experience because you’ll be a part of campus life and the social activity of the dorms. In fact, on-campus students are more likely to frequently participate in campus events. For example, at Ohio State University, 46% of students participate in campus events at least two times per month. Comparatively, that number drops to 32.1% for off-campus students.
Downsides of On-Campus Living
Now, there’s the negative part of on-campus housing.
First there’s the cost. Depending on the location of your school, the cost for living on-campus may actually be higher than off-campus living. Plus on-campus room and board is getting more expensive, increasing 28% over the last 10 years at 4-year public universities. And it’s common to buy an expensive meal plan, which can cost an average of $18.75 per day for three daily meals or $4,500 per semester.
On-campus housing is also inconsistent, and many times students have to leave between semesters, during the summer, and for holidays. Plus living in the dorms can be a distraction with loud noises and groups of students partying.
What Are the Benefits of Living Off-Campus?
In total, 87% of students live off-campus, and here’s why.
Costs vary by school and area, but living off-campus can be more affordable if you’re in a lower priced-rental market. For example, the average rental rate in the Midwest region is $570 per month, and in the South, it’s $642 per month. But the lowest cost off-campus housing option would be to live at home with your family, which can be free!
Off-campus housing can also be more spacious. Whereas dorms average 130 sq. ft., studio apartments average 525 sq. ft., and one-bedroom apartments average 750 sq. ft.
When living off-campus, it’s also typically easier to find a quiet space to get a break from school. The scene may be different off campus too. Living in your apartment building might be a diverse mix of professionals, families, non-students. Additionally, off-campus students are typically more actively involved. OSU reports that 54.9% of off-campus students hold a leadership role in a student organization whereas only 24.3% on-campus students do.
Downsides of Off-Campus Living
First, it may be difficult to find housing, especially in an area with a competitive rental market. Give yourself 30-45 days to find a place, and expect to check out at least 5 places before finding the right one.
Renting off-campus may also be more complicated. There are individual bills to worry about, including a security deposit, Internet contract, heat, and electric. Plus, utilities will likely be in your own name, which can be a credit issue for some students.
For sample costs, the U.S. average for broadband Internet is $66.17 per month. And unless you find a furnished apartment, a trip to Ikea can set you back $100 for a basic twin bed frame, $200 for a basic twin mattress, $50 for a basic desk, and $25 for a basic chair.
There’s also the extra time spent commuting, gas money, and the parking permit fee which can cost hundreds of dollars a year. And depending on your situation, off-campus housing can be a less social experience.
How Does Your School’s Housing Costs Rank?
Are you wondering how your school’s housing costs compare to others in the country? Let’s take a look at the schools that have the most expensive and least expensive annual housing costs.
10 Schools with Lowest Room & Board Costs Per Year
Rust College (MS) – $4,100
William Carey University (MS) – $4,260
Southwestern Oklahoma State University – $5,220
Alabama State University – $5,422
Louisiana College – $5,479
Auburn University, Montgomery (AL) – $5,650
Indian River State College (FL) – $5,700
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma – $5,720
Blue Mountain College (MS) – $5,839
Utah State University – $5,870
10 Schools with Highest Room & Board Costs Per Year
New School (NY) – $17,235
CUNY – College of Staten Island – $16,832
St. John’s University (NY) – $16,390
University of San Diego – $15,826
American Jewish University (CA) – $15,706
Emerson College (MA) – $15,700
Southern Methodist University (TX) – $15,575
Marymount Manhattan College (NY) – $15,500
Smith College (MA) – $15,470
University of California – Berkeley – $15,422
Interested in learning more about college housing? Visit https://www.forrentuniversity.com/